Friday, June 24, 2011

Wimby 2011: Rafa in Round 2

(Another win for Rafa! Striking the ball so well!)

It was another routine win for Nadal at Wimbledon on Wednesday, cruising to a 6-3 6-2 6-4 victory over Ryan Sweeting from the U.S. in the second round. Rafa was in great form and really controlled the match. It's exciting to see him in such good form this early in the tournament. He seems to really be adjusting to the grass well. Gone are the early round drops in concentration he experienced at the beginning of the French Open last month. Hooray!

The naysayers nay when it comes to Rafa's chances going all the way this year, but let's remember Our Hero is the returning Champ, and has now won his last 16 matches at Wimby - winning the title the last two times he played in 2008 and 2010. And remember, naysayers, he found a way to the final in 2006 and 2007 too! I believe Rafa has the mental fortitude and physical conditioning to get there again this year.

Up next he has Gilles Muller from Luxemburg in Round 3. All signs had pointed to it being a clash with the up-and-coming Milos Raonic from Canada. Unfortunately, Raonic took a bad slip on the grass and had to retire from his second round match. Luckily, his injury is not very serious. But it just goes to show you can take no match for granted. Here's hoping for another solid victory for Nadal in Round 3! Vamos!